08 July 2011

New Translation and Interpreting Service for Aged Care Residents

The Australian Government is providing $2.2 million to engage interpreter services to help older people from non-English speaking backgrounds communicate on health and aged care matters.

Translation services and on-site interpreters will be available to older Australians in aged care facilities who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler announced today.

The Gillard Government is providing $2.2 million to engage interpreter services to help older people from non-English speaking backgrounds communicate on health and aged care matters.

"This investment delivers on our election commitment to provide improved access to translation services for older Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds and cultural awareness training for aged care staff", Butler said.

"The new service will include on-site visits and telephone interpreting services and services will be available around the clock for 24 hours a day, seven days a week".

There are currently almost 30,000 culturally and linguistically diverse residents in aged care homes that could benefit from this initiative.

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